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At age twelve, Jesus went to Jerusalem with his parents for the
Passover. Instead of departing with them to Nazareth, He stayed
behind talking with the teachers in the temple. When they found
Him, He responded to His mother's question saying: "Why is
it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My
Father's business" (Lk. 2:49)?
The fact that Jesus said "My Father's business" denotes
that there is business that is not His Father's. John says: "In
this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested:
Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he
who does not love his brother" (1 Jn. 3:10). In other words,
those who are practicing righteousness are about God's business,
but, those who do not practice righteousness are about the devil's
business.
Pause and think about these questions: Whose child am I - God's
or the devil's? Am I about God's business or the devil's business?
Consider these four aspects of being about God's business. First
we must prepare to be about our Father's business. Have you ever
met an earthly son engaging in His father's business without training
and preparation? A son generally has a special place in his father's
business. As a part of being about his father's business he engages
in an intensive training program perhaps going to college and working
in the factory, administrative offices, inside sales, and outside
sales. A son about his father's business faithfully looks out for
his father's interests.
Secondly, those involved in their Father's business must endure
suffering. Jesus is our example of suffering: "For to this
you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us
an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no
sin, nor was guile found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled,
did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten,
but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet.
2:21-24). And Paul says: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly
in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).
Third, God strengthens us to do His will (Eph. 3:16-20; Col. 1:11)
while rejoicing in trials and tribulations (Rom. 5:3f; Jas. 1:2-4).
God has set in motion the spiritual forces of the universe so that
no temptation can overtake us without their being a way of escape
provided (1 Cor. 10:13). He works all things together for good (Rom.
8:28) and abundantly supplies for every good work (2 Cor. 9:6-11).
The only reason for not being about our Father's business is a lack
of desire, commitment, and devotion toward God.
Fourth, there is a reward for those about their Father's business.
On earth, a son about his father's business receives a reward -
an inheritance. But, a son not about his father's business does
not receive a reward. Likewise, those about God's business receive
an inheritance - eternal life. Paul says: "For I am already
being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure
is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give
to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved
His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
Are you about your Father's business? Are you enduring the trials,
tribulations, and persecutions of this world to accomplish His will
in your life? Are you a faithful child of God sealed with the Holy
Spirit of promise guaranteeing your inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14)?
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